European Heritage Days: Discover the royal foundries

The Royal Foundries, built during the reign of Louis XIV between 1668 and 1672, are the oldest surviving facility of their kind in France. Having undergone several refurbishments, they ceased operations in 1898. Having become a derelict military-industrial site, they were given a new lease of life when the League for the Protection of Birds (LPO) decided to establish its national headquarters there in 2009, following a major and determined regeneration programme.


Guided tours led by a heritage guide
Saturday at 2.30 pm and 4 pm
Duration: 1 hour

Guided tours led by an LPO guide
Saturday at 11.00 am and Sunday at 2.30 pm
Duration: 1 hour

Limited places – booking essential at the Espace Nature on 05 46 82 12 44 or by email: lpo@lpo.fr
Meeting point: 1 Rue Toufaire

Also worth discovering over the two days:
- The LPO nature reserves, true havens of nature; a tour of the Fonderies Royales nature reserve
- Exhibitions: ‘Thousands of Puffins’, an original exhibition centred on the Atlantic puffin, the LPO’s symbol, reimagined by well-known figures through unique creations. And engravings of watercolour paintings (prints) by the naturalist, painter and ornithologist Jean-Jacques Audubon
- Activities: a virtual reality immersion in the Yves nature reserve / a children’s area with nature-themed and creative activities

Guided tours are available, subject to prior booking at the Hèbre Museum or at the Espace Nature on 00 33 05 46 82 12 44

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